Smashbox for me is the home of the primer; Photo Finish has a silicone texture that provided a base for makeup that followed. Over the years the Photo Finish Primer family has grown and textures have changed.

A couple of years back Smashbox brought out the Primer Water and now their latest innovation is the Primer Oil. My expectation when I heard about this product was that it would be a silicone based oil, a thinner and lighter texture than the Studio Fix Primer. I was expecting a slightly tacky texture that my makeup would adhere to and be frank, I was expecting not to be a fan of this product. However, I was wrong. This product is far more than the title reveals.

The Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil is a proper skincare facial oil. It does not contain mineral oil and has an extensive range of skin loving ingredients in a sweet almond oil base. It also contains apricot, jojoba and sunflower oils which are high in fatty acid and helps against free radicals. There is also tamanu seed oil which is anti-inflammatory, coffee seed oil which helps to promote elastic and collagen production and raspberry seed oil which helps reduce water loss from the skin.

The pipette mechanism gives precise application and the glass bottle gives a luxurious feel. It does not have a strong smell, but if you are sensitive to essential oils definitely do a patch test first. If you have dry skin this is a no brainer; either add a drop to your foundation or apply it before you apply your makeup.

If, on the other hand you have oily or combo skin, don’t dismiss this product. As the cooler weather sets in your face will be glad of an additional layer of hydration and nourishment. Add a drop to your moisturiser, apply a thin layer before makeup but let it absorb (it won’t take long) before going in with your base product. It will give your skin a luminous but not greasy effect. 30ml of product is a generous size and I find myself using it for cuticles, and adding a drop to my hand cream.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil is priced at £28.00.

For more information, please visit the Smashbox website.